Authorities have apprehended six suspects near Lyon, France, in connection with a recent high-profile robbery.
The incident involved thieves using explosives to breach a precious metals refinery on Thursday. The perpetrators subsequently absconded with a significant quantity of gold, estimated to be worth €12m (£10.5m, $13.8m).
Law enforcement officials stated that a pursuit ensued, resulting in the capture of the suspects and the recovery of the stolen assets.
This event follows closely on the heels of five additional arrests related to a theft at the Louvre Museum in Paris earlier this month.
In the Lyon incident, footage circulated on social media, captured by residents near the refinery, depicted two individuals near a white van. One individual was seen placing a ladder against the perimeter fence before climbing over it.
Additional video evidence showed an armed individual opening the rear door of the van, while another loaded briefcases into the vehicle.
Speaking to AFP news agency, a local resident reported hearing a substantial explosion, describing it as “really impressive.”
According to AFP, five employees of Pourquery Laboratories sustained minor injuries as a result of the explosion.
Police confirmed that a woman was among those taken into custody following the chase, and that assault rifles and explosives were seized.
Concurrently, the arrests concerning the Louvre heist in Paris have brought the total number of detainees to seven.
On October 19, four suspects reportedly gained access to the museum’s Gallery of Apollo in broad daylight using a mechanical lift.
The individuals utilized a disc cutter to breach display cases containing crown jewels, subsequently making off with items valued at €88m (£76m; $102m).
Authorities have stated that those apprehended include three of the thieves, while the search for the fourth individual remains ongoing.
The Paris Public Prosecutor announced that the arrests were made on Wednesday night in the Paris region.
The prosecutor’s office has indicated that the jewels have not yet been recovered, and the possibility of a larger criminal organization behind the theft is being investigated.
Four perpetrators broke into the world’s most-visited museum in broad daylight, stealing eight items worth €88m (£76m; $102m).
The stolen items will now be stored in the Bank’s most secure vault, protected by a seven-tonne door located 26 meters underground.
An attendant recounted the moment the thieves used an angle grinder to force their way into the Gallery of Apollo.